The study took place in several centers throughout the US. Researchers followed adolescents aged 10–17 years recently diagnosed with T2D. At the beginning of their treatment they were directed to take 1,000 mg metformin twice daily (or 500 mg twice daily if 1,000 mg twice daily was not tolerated) until reaching a HbA1c at or below 8% for 2 months.

The next phase occurred once the patients achieved the 8% HbA1c. These patients were then randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: 1) continuation of metformin alone, 2) metformin in combination with 4 mg twice daily rosiglitazone (Avandia), or 3) metformin plus lifestyle intervention targeting weight reduction and increased physical activity.

The most successful group was the metformin plus lifestyle intervention. To be more specific, the group that lost 7-10% of their body weight and implemented exercise into their routines had unanimous success in control of their T2D, compared to the metformin alone or the metformin plus Avandia groups.

Without a doubt, adding exercise to any routine in treating T2D is going to give you a competitive advantage. In this case, the researchers looked at contenders in their prime. By adding a little activity, dropping a little weight, and popping a little metformin they took the bull by the horns.